Life on two wheels: How couriers drive Istanbul’s essential delivery services

By Rabia Ali

ISTANBUL (AA) — Navigating Istanbul’s narrow and crowded streets, Ahmet* brings his motorcycle to a halt, expertly dodging pedestrians and cars. He pulls outside a small warehouse to grab a bag of groceries and a quick puff from his cigarette before he’s off again — his next delivery just moments away.

Ahmet is one of thousands of delivery workers swept up in the whirlwind of Istanbul’s burgeoning quick commerce, or q-commerce, sector. This industry, fueled by the promise of delivering goods in mere minutes, has become a cornerstone of urban life in a city of over 15 million people. What started as a niche service for quick meals and essential items is today a multibillion-dollar phenomenon.

In recent years, Istanbul has seen a surge in startups and delivery companies, each vying for a share of this fast-paced market and offering everything from groceries to fast food at the touch of a button.

Experts say the trend of express delivery skyrocketed particularly during the Covid pandemic, when safety from the contagious disease — as well as convenience — outweighed the appeal of traditional shopping.

According to estimates, more than 506,000 businesses are involved in Türkiye’s e-commerce, the electronic buying of goods and services. Out of these, 220,000 are based in Istanbul alone, making it the heart of the sector.

- For the love of motorcycles

Ahmet’s journey into the delivery world began two years ago, driven by his deep passion for motorcycles. He recalls how purchasing a motorbike led to mounting debts, which eventually steered him toward this line of work.

“When I heard people saying there is more money in courier work, I thought I would throw myself into the industry,” said the rider, his eyes glued to the clock on his phone, signaling he was running out of time.

Another rider, Emre*, who joined the profession seven to eight years ago, also joined for his fondness of motorcycles.

“As a young boy, I always liked riding motorcycles,” said the courier.

But as much as he enjoys riding, Emre understands the heavy risk involved in his work; an accident once required doctors insert 17 metal plates into his jaw.

“Riding motorcycles is the devil’s work (dangerous and risky). They say two wheels can cost you your life, while four only cost you money. They don’t say this for nothing.”

Emre said that when he first started working, he relished the thought of riding his motorcycle all day. But over time and after enduring accidents and the dangers of reckless drivers flouting traffic rules, his passion began to wane.

“We do not really get to enjoy life. We’re always a step away from another accident. I wouldn’t recommend it,” Emre said, a stark warning to young, eager-to-ride potential recruits to the profession.

The growth of q-commerce has often meant that the personal well-being of delivery workers like Ahmet have taken a back seat.

Riders often complain of long hours with no time left for socializing.

“I end up working 12 hours a day, sometimes 14 or 17 hours ... I have no social life. Just sleep, work, and some food in between,” says Ahmet.

Although he is earning double the amount he started with, Ahmet realizes that when he gets on the saddle, his life is on the line. “We’ve had a lot of accidents, or almost had them. I even broke my jaw, my lower jaw shattered while wearing a helmet.”

The pressures of the job are not just physical, but emotional, too.

“People don’t seem to care much about our lives. It’s not something worth doing here because, right from the start, there’s no respect for motorcycles (on the road),” Ahmet sighs.

- Never-ending packages

The delivery workers also highlight the fast pace of the work, handling dozens of parcels in a single day.

“Sometimes we deliver 80 packages, sometimes 60 or 50. It is exhausting. You always have to be on the move, and there is constant competition,” explains Ahmet.

The courier who makes the most deliveries also gets paid the most.

Delivery companies have set up depots in neighborhoods across Istanbul, offering basic groceries. Riders can also be asked to get groceries from nearby supermarkets or, in the case of food deliveries, from restaurants.

Emre, who works with a depot in the Umraniye district, serves customers in a radius of about 4.5 kilometers (nearly 2.8 miles), with only minutes to reach each of his destinations.

“So, you end up speeding or breaking the rules — there’s no other choice.”

While being a courier is tough and stressful work, he adds that there are also moments of consideration on the road. “For example, the other day, I was trying to pass a public bus, and there was not enough space. The driver made room and said, ‘We cannot pass, but you go ahead’.”

- The Q-business boom

Ahmet and Emre​​​​​​​ belong to the speedy q-commerce delivery sector.

Fehmi Bugra Erdal, who heads the e-commerce and marketing program at Atilim University in the Turkish capital Ankara, explains that while q-commerce is a type of e-commerce, it is distinguished by much shorter delivery times.

“In e-commerce, delivery time takes several days, but in q-commerce … it takes 30 to 60 minutes.”

E-commerce has been experiencing rapid growth in Türkiye, he explained. Erdal shared Trade Ministry data from 2023 revealing the magnitude of the surge, with the size of the market increasing 115% compared to the previous year.

This propelled the Turkish e-commerce market to a value of 1.85 trillion liras ($79.4 billion). The number of transactions also surged at a rate of 23% in a single year, reaching a total of 5.87 billion.

Revenue in Türkiye’s e-commerce market is expected to hit $109.4 billion this year, with transactions projected to reach 6.67 billion.

- The Istanbul factor

While delivery services across Europe and the US have failed to sustain such levels, they remain popular in Istanbul, a megacity spanning two continents.

“The instant sector is successful in Istanbul because the dynamics … are very suitable for these services,” says Erdal.

To avoid the crowds and traffic in this densely-populated metropolis, consumers often turn to practical solutions to squeeze out the time they spend on activities like shopping, eating, and drinking.

Citing research, the expert says more than 50% of Istanbulites spend more than three hours a day in traffic. “Such time constraints and the busy pace of life has increased the effectiveness of instant services in Türkiye.”

- Facing the risks

Highlighting the risk associated with working in delivery, Erdal said recent studies suggest that 56% of couriers experience discomfort due to the constant outdoor exposure.

“Nearly 50% complain about traffic accidents and injuries, and 40% complain about the health problems they experience due to spending too much on motorcycles.”

Others report difficulty breathing due to their helmets, while excessive exposure to exhaust fumes represents another respiratory risk.

“The risk of accidents is quite high in this profession, which requires attention and safe driving due to the working hours,” says Erdal.

While it is often reported that couriers work nine hours per day, “you can easily say that they work more,” he adds. “I know they are working 10 hours, sometimes they work up to 12 hours on average a day.”

Erdal warns that the rapid growth of this sector comes at a cost, and its demands can lead to accidents and serious health issues for the very people who keep it moving.

* Names changed to protect privacy.